Congressman Cohen Introduces the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) Act
Measure named for Tennessee lawmakers who championed the democratic process
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today introduced the John Tanner and Jim Cooper Fairness and Independence in Redistricting (FAIR) Act which would require states to take their congressional apportionment decisions out of the political process and place it in the hands of independent redistricting commissions. The measure is named after former Tennessee Congressmen John Tanner and Jim Cooper, both champions of legislation to end partisan gerrymandering.
Congressman Cohen made the following statement:
“We see every day the consequences of partisan gerrymandering – politicians picking their voters, not voters choosing who will represent them. This is the opposite of the kind of fair and independent redistricting process that preserves and strengthens democracy. I’m proud to associate my friends and former colleagues John Tanner and Jim Cooper with this effort. Jim was forced to retire after his Nashville-based district was gerrymandered into three Republican-dominated largely rural districts, depriving our state’s capital city of a truly representative voice in Washington.”
John Tanner represented Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District for 22 years. Jim Cooper represented Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District for 20 years.
# # #